Chapter 4
WC: 7,300
Alfred Pennyworth could say, without a shadow of a doubt, that what was happening right now was the most amusing thing he had experienced. He had seen his fair share of hilarious moments during his life span, but all paled in comparison to watching billionaire Bruce Wayne gripe and grumble about his ward Richard Grayson's first romantic relationship.
He and his employer stood by the door of the massive gym Wayne Manor had. His master had just returned from patrolling all night in Gotham City to search out his ward. Still in uniform, Master Bruce was a formidable sight. But Alfred had seen enough of his heart, especially around this boy, to know he wasn't angry.
Bruce Wayne was jealous.
The man had no doubt spent extra time that evening beating up every single low life in Gotham to appease some of his frustration. And it was his jealousy that was so amusing. Even though Master Bruce and Master Richard rarely acted like father and son, the signs were all there that they held that special place in each other's hearts. Case in point being Bruce Wayne's jealousy over the young lad's first relationship.
They watched as Master Richard jumped on the Olympic regulation trampoline. His gleeful laugh echoed around the room as he flipped and twisted in mid air. Master Bruce stood beside Alfred, scowling darkly. When he had met his employer in the Batcave, Master Bruce had explained the situation and everything that had happened at Mount Justice. While the news of Miss Martian's betrayal had brought a frown to Alfred's face, he had smiled as the news of Master Richard's relationship was revealed.
Alfred had of course had his suspicions for a while now. He wouldn't be a good butler if he didn't. He had keenly seen how happy and content the boy had been for the past week or so. Alfred had assumed it was a one sided crush. He hadn't realized it was much more than that, and reciprocated. Alfred felt extremely happy for the lad. Master Richard deserved something as sweet as love in his life.
Master Bruce, on the other hand, was not as happy as Alfred was over the situation.
"I don't like it," his employer said suddenly with a scowl, dislodging Alfred's thoughts.
"What don't you like sir," he asked, hiding a knowing smile.
"I don't like how happy he is."
"And why is that a bad thing, Master Bruce?"
"...it's not...per-se. I just don't like it."
Alfred covered his mouth, swallowing thickly to keep a chuckle at bay. He couldn't afford to tarnish his impecable record he had for staying calm and casual in any situation. Laughing would just ruin his image and would keep Master Bruce from confiding in him in the future. Still...it was very hard not to laugh.
"Is it the fact that Master Richard's happiness is a result of someone other than yourself that upsets you," Alfred inquired after he composed himself.
"..." It was fascinating to Alfred how loud his employer's silences could be at times.
"Why Master Bruce, I do believe you're jealous."
"Quiet Alfred, I am not."
Alfred genuinely smiled as the scowl on Bruce Wayne's face morphed into a pout. He reigned in the chuckled that wanted to escape. It was unwise to laugh at the powerful man beside him when his pride was wounded. It wouldn't be good for Alfred's health. And he still had that reputation to uphold.
"He's too young," Master Bruce spoke up after a moment. The man was no doubt trying to come up with an excuse for his anger other than jealousy.
"Master Richard is very mature for his age. And I do believe that was my argument against him becoming Robin all those years ago. But I was certainly proved wrong."
"He's in love with an unstable science experiment."
"Superboy is much more than that, Sir, as I'm sure you are aware. And from what Master Richard has told me he is much better than he used to be. I do believe relationships are a good way to build stability. And from what you have told me, Master Bruce, most of his instability comes from a lack of a relationship with Master Clark."
His employer's frown grew deeper and more angled, twisting the features of his handsome face. Master Bruce folded his arms across his chest, giving a 'hmph' as he sulked. Alfred just smiled and patted the man's shoulder. "You are not alone in your feelings, Master Bruce," Alfred said kindly. "I imagine most guardians go through a period of denial and jealousy when the child they are caring for becomes involved with someone romantically."
"I'm not jealous, Alfred," Bruce Wayne said with a huff.
"Of course you aren't, Sir," Alfred said to placate the man, but they both knew it was true.
After he said that Master Richard took notice of them. The lad gave a cheerful wave as he bounced to a stop before flipping off the side of the trampoline to jog up to them. Master Bruce's frown seemed to melt away just a little when faced with the boy's happiness. And then a moment later his scowl was back full force. The man must have remembered the circumstances for that happiness.
"Hey, what's up," Master Richard greeted them with a smile as he stretched his arms over his head.
"I told you to get some sleep, Dick," his employer said softly, an underlying growl to his tone.
"I did. I got a full eight hours of sleep. It's five in the morning and I'm an early bird," Master Richard said matter-of-factly. Alfred allowed himself to chuckle, not so much at the boy's impromptu joke, but more to relieve the pressure of his rapidly building amusement at his employer.
"..."
"Ha, did you see that, I just made a joke. My name's Robin and robins are early birds. I crack myself up sometimes."
"..."
"Aww come on, Bruce. I know you've been out all night, but the least you could do is crack a smile."
"..."
"A grin?"
"..."
"...raise an eyebrow?"
"..."
"Jeez, somebody woke up on the wrong side of the Batmobile."
"Dick," Master Bruce said darkly, his demeanor just screaming discomfort.
"Finally, he speaks," Master Richard said in exasperation as he threw his arms up in the air.
"... It's too early for this. Go back to bed. I'm going to go get some sleep myself. After school today, though, you are to report to Mount Justice."
"Time for the talk, huh?"
"In a manner of speaking."
Master Richard shook his head and sighed, but Alfred was relieved to note that the lad's smile stayed in place. He gave Alfred a quick hug and patted Master Bruce on the shoulder before squeezing past them and out the door. He was hopefully heading to his room. Alfred would check after he got his employer settled in. When Master Richard was out of earshot Master Bruce let out a frustrated breath.
"I still don't like it, Alfred."
"I know, Sir. But you're just going to have to suck it up and deal with it."
"There will be no drinking and no drugs."
"Who said anything about-"
"There will be no staying out late and going to any clubs or parties."
"What makes you think we'd-"
"And there will be no sexual relations of any kind. Clothes will not be removed in each other's presence ever. No hands below the waist. And kissing is to be kept chaste at all times."
Robin sighed, clenching his hands into fists under the table he sat at. They were in the conference room at Mount Justice. Robin sat at one end of the long table while Superboy sat at the other. Batman sat between them. Robin took a deep calming breath, watching as his boyfriend mimicked the action. He had told Superboy before they came in here that he would do all the talking, no matter what. The last thing he needed was Superboy saying or doing anything that could set off his protective partner.
Maybe Robin should just let his boyfriend beat up Batman and then they could run away and elope. Robin grimaced as he glanced at his mentor. That was a horrible idea. Batman would wipe the floor with them both.
Robin took another breath. "So what can we do?"
Batman stayed silent, but Robin noticed the twitch in his cheek that meant his jaw was clenched tightly shut. Robin knew if it was up to him, he and Superboy would never be together. Robin was going to have to put his foot down if he wanted to have a chance to be with Superboy. He knew Batman wasn't actually trying to be a bad guy, he was just overly protective. It warmed Robin's heart that Batman cared about him that much, but it was a little too much. It was his job to show his mentor that there were some things he couldn't control and protect Robin from. He would never grow up if Batman shielded him from every little thing. He could handle being a hero, Batman knew that. So Robin needed to prove he could handle having a boyfriend too.
Robin casually leaned back in his chair, a plan of action forming in his mind. Maybe freaking Batman out would help him give his consent. "Look, I know you're trying to protect me and all, but this is just going to back fire," he started. Batman gave him a look but stayed silent. "You keep me from having a relationship like this, I'll just start rebelling. I'll hang out with the wrong crowd, start drinking and doing an excessive amount of drugs, maybe father a few kids before I graduate. You know, the usual for rebelling teenagers. Heck, I might just turn into a villain. So loosen up a bit, Bats."
Superboy was looking at him with wide eyes and Robin quickly flashed a grin to his boyfriend. He was being extreme, but so was Bruce. It was best in this case to fight fire with fire. That, or play the one card he knew would tip Batman's hand. He didn't like using it often as it started to lose its influence on his mentor every time he used it. But he just might have to use it now.
Batman was quiet, looking stonily ahead at the wall. He didn't overtly respond to Robin's words, but he knew he struck a nerve. The last thing Batman wanted from him was rebellion. Even a little bit could drive the man insane. Robin got up from his seat and went to sit by his mentor. He scooted his seat close but kept them from touching. He looked up at his mentor...his father, from behind his mandatory sunglasses, hoping his plead would get through.
"You know me Bats. We won't party or drink or do anything else stupid like that. I just want to be able to have a relationship with Superboy. That means I want there to be kissing, and dates, and maybe even some...other stuff," Robin held back from saying hand and blow jobs. He knew that would explode in his face if he said it outright (pun so not intended). Batman of course knew that was what he meant, but by not saying it, Robin kept a lid on the man's temper.
Batman didn't look at him, which was a bad sign. "No. You're both not ready for this kind of relationship. Getting too deep too fast will affect your duties on the team."
"You don't know that for sure."
"I know what has happened to other members of the League in the past."
"Well weren't not members of the League. We're teenage heroes Batman. Besides there are plenty of other relationships in the League that have worked."
"I won't allow it."
Robin pursed his lips. He spared a glance over to Superboy. The clone was extremely tense, but Robin was relieved to note that he was staying still and silent. He didn't look happy though, and Robin didn't blame him. He closed his eyes for a moment and took a breath. Now he had no choice but to use his trump card. Robin slowly took off his glasses, setting them silently on the conference table. He looked up at Batman and expressed the one thing that he knew could make the man cave to his whims. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
"Dad," Robin said softly, tilting his head a little and widening his eyes for his personal ultra adorable pleading pout. "I really, really like Superboy. He makes me really happy. But so do you. You've done so much for me. And Superboy has too. He saved me. I was thrown off an 80 story building and he didn't even hesitate to jump after me even though he can't fly. He makes me realize that I can be happy with someone, and that it's okay to not be Robin all the time. I feel so safe with him. He makes me feel just as safe as you do."
Robin leaned forward to curl into Batman's chest, nuzzling his head against the man's armor. He hid his giddy smile when an arm wrapped around him, drawing his mentor's cape over his body. Batman had given his consent.
He stayed still in Batman's embrace for a while longer, letting the man accept the situation and calm down a bit. Robin eventually pulled away, though, smiling sweetly up at his mentor, his friend...his father.
"Thanks Dad," he said softly. "I promise things won't get really serious and we won't do anything stupid. And if anything goes wrong we'll ask for help."
Batman took a very long, deep breath before his posture relaxed a bit. "Very well," Batman said after a moment. "I apologize for my...stubbornness. I just worry about you."
Robin smiled and leaned in to wrap his arms around Batman's neck, giving the man a much needed hug. "It's okay. I understand. But I'm growing up and you need to let me," Robin replied, leaning back to grin at the man. "I'll be fine."
Batman nodded mutely and they both looked over at Superboy. Robin giggled at the relieved slump his boyfriend's body was in. He looked exhausted from his battle to stay still and silent through Robin's negotiations with his mentor. Superboy looked at them with smiling blue eyes, though his face stayed stoic.
"There are some ground rules," Batman spoke up after a moment. "Dates need to be approved by me. Someone needs to know where you two are if something should come up. Your duties on this team come first. I don't want you two favoring each other out in the field. That ups the danger for the other members of your team. School is another priority and I don't want either of you slacking because you're in a relationship. Am I clear."
Superboy nodded and Robin followed suit. "Crystal clear, Bats."
His mentor relaxed more in his seat. Robin sighed and sat back in his own chair. The battle was over. After a moment he got up and walked over to his boyfriend. Superboy looked at him with curious and affectionate blue eyes, reaching out to lightly touch his thigh. Robin smiled softly and leaned down to press a kiss to his boyfriend's cheek. Superboy hummed quietly in response, looking like he very much wanted more. But that would come later. Robin had some other business to discuss, and Superboy couldn't be here for it.
"Do you think you could give me and Batman a moment," he asked softly, leaning his hip on the side of the table by Superboy. "I have some Dynamic Duo stuff to talk with Bats about. How about later we watch a movie."
Superboy frowned...pouted really, but nodded his acquiesce. He was so cute. His boyfriend stood and with one quick brush of their lips he was out the door. Robin waited a few more moments before turning to Batman. He giggled at the look on his mentor's face. It was a cross between horror and jealousy. "You're really going to have to get used to this Bruce. He's not going anywhere," Robin said laughingly, taking a seat in the chair Superboy just vacated.
His mentor gave a quiet huff and would deny the fact that he was pouting ever so slightly. Batman removed his cowl and sat before Robin just as Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson's adoptive dad. "So what did you want to discuss," he said, effectively changing the subject away from Dick's young love.
"Actually it has to do with Superboy but I don't want him to know about it."
"Oh?"
"I want you to set up an interview between me and Clark Kent."
Bruce raised an eyebrow and Dick smirked. It wasn't often he stunned this man. As Richard Grayson, Dick had not given a single interview to any reporter since he was adopted by Bruce Wayne. Bruce wanted to protect him so he kept the press at bay for the most part and Dick wasn't ready to talk about the subject of his parents' death which had lead to his adoption by the famous Bruce Wayne. But there were plenty of reporters that would kill for an interview with him. It could seriously boost their career.
Bruce's eyes narrowed and Dick knew he was figuring out what was going on. "You want to talk to him about Superboy."
"Yep. And I'm going to dangle the carrot of an interview with Richard Grayson in front of him to get him to talk. Even though he's Superman, Clark would want this as much as any other reporter."
"So you want me to set it up."
"Yes. You can pitch it that I only trust him to do the interview right or something, which is true. He won't push me and stuff like that. Set it up soon if you can, and somewhere neutral. Private room at a restaurant or something along those lines."
"Will you really go through with the interview?"
"I've been thinking about it lately, and I think it's time I speak out before the speculations and rumors get any worse than they are now. But I'm only going to give Clark this interview if he gives me what I need."
"And what do you need."
"For him to acknowledge Superboy's existence."
"Recognized: Artemis, B-08."
Artemis brushed her hair over her shoulder as she entered Mount Justice. It was quiet and no one was in the main area. She shrugged her shoulders and continued on her trek, looking for someone to talk to. Spending the day with stuffy rich kids at Gotham Academy wore her nerves very thin. It took every ounce of self control to keep from pounding one of their little 'too perfect' faces into next week. She hoped she could talk someone into a spar because she had a lot of pent up frustration she needed to release.
She entered the kitchen/living room and found Superboy sitting silently on the couch, staring at a blank TV screen. If it had been Wally she would have totally gone into stealth mode to scare the crap out of the dweeb. But Superboy would know she where she was. Damn super hearing.
Artemis almost turned and walked away, but decided she would talk to him. Best to get any uncomfortable-ness she felt because of him out of the way. Things were a lot different now.
"Hey, what's up," Artemis called unnecessarily as she came to sit on one of the comfy chairs that flanked the couch. He probably knew she was here long before she got to the room.
Superboy looked up at the ceiling. "Limestone and steel support beams," he said tersely with a frown.
Artemis blinked. And then she blinked again. Was he serious? Superboy glanced over to her, his frown deepening when she stayed silent. He was completely serious. Artemis burst out laughing, one hand holding her face as the other clutched at her stomach. She laughed long and hard, barely able to catch her breath as she curled up in her chair. She laughed endlessly before her sides started to protest and tears were squeezed from her eyes. Then she started to calm down.
A few more chuckles escaped her lips as Artemis composed herself. She wiped at her eyes as she sat up more properly in her chair, almost collapsing into a fit again at the look on Superboy's face. He looked part annoyed and part amused. The guy sure had loosened up if he didn't upturn the coffee table because someone laughed at him. Must be because of their resident Bat prodigy.
The rest of her mirth left her body at that thought and Artemis sat back. She fell silent, wondering what she should say now.
"Is that a phrase that means something else other than its literal meaning," Superboy asked quietly after a few moments, going back to staring at the television screen.
Artemis nodded. "Yeah. It means 'what's going on,'" she explained softly.
"So why not say that?"
"Because it's cooler to say 'what's up.'"
"Oh."
They were quiet for a few minutes. Artemis was half tempted to just leave but she shook herself. She was so beyond these petty feelings she had. Her jealousy, her anger, and her annoyance were all pointless. Artemis was so much better than that. So what if this fine specimen of a man was off the market, so what if it was his fault her mind had been toyed with, and so what if he had picked a shrimp of hero instead her. He was still her teammate and he was still a friend.
Artemis tossed her hair, taking on a more causal position in her chair. She smirked over at Superboy. "So you and Boy Wonder huh? Can't say I saw it coming but I get it," she said.
Superboy perked up at the mention of their teammate and Artemis focused on the cuteness of the act rather than how it made her stomach twitch in jealousy. "So why aren't the two of you all over each other," she asked casually.
"He is talking with Batman," Superboy explained, a fond little smile on his handsome face. "Batman has approved of our relationship and given us ground rules."
She nodded, leaning her chin on her perched arm. "Bet that was scary. He must have wanted to rip off your balls for touching Robin."
She giggled at the grimace and nod she got from Superboy. "I thought he would do that. But Robin changed his mind. He wasn't going to approve until Robin convinced him. He's really amazing."
"Must be why you like him," Artemis said softly, tracing an abstract pattern on her jeans.
"One of many reasons. He is very special to me."
Artemis couldn't help but sigh at that. She figured. From what Batman had explained, Megan had taken the feelings Superboy had already had and directed them at herself. Superboy had been very gentle and loving with Megan for the few days of the farce. He was sweet and affectionate. Which meant he felt very strongly for Robin.
"It's pretty shitty what Megan did," she said after some moments of silence, glancing up at Superboy's face.
His expression had twisted into one of anger at the mention of Megan. "Yeah. I thought I could trust her, even though it was hard. I don't like the idea of anyone in my head. I was controlled that way in Cadmus. But then she...betrayed me. I knew she liked me, but I didn't think she would do something this drastic. I know you wouldn't."
"Yeah, it was awful that she did that and...wait what? What do you mean you know I wouldn't."
"You like me."
Superboy said that with such conviction that Artemis couldn't refute him. Besides, it was true. She did like him. "Yeah, but it's just a crush. It's nothing like what you feel for the squirt. I'll get over it," she said honestly. She did like him, but she's liked a lot of boys. And while it always hurt when it didn't work out, she knew she would endure.
"That's good. But I feel better knowing you're not like Megan," Superboy said with a little relieved grin.
Artemis smiled sadly and nodded. "No way. I may like you, but I don't believe in forcing someone to be with you. What she did was...really wrong. Like seriously twisted. Just goes to show you can't judge someone by their sugary sweet personality."
Superboy nodded and looked back at the television screen. Artemis cocked her head. That was like the fifth time he had done that since they started talking. "What are you doing?"
"I'm waiting for Robin."
"I figured. But why are you staring at a blank TV screen while waiting for him."
"Because he said we would watch a movie together when he was done talking with Batman. So I'm waiting."
Artemis chuckled. All of her frustrations with her new school and her feelings over Superboy's relationship were gone. She felt pretty good now. Because this guy was totally amusing. Seriously, who stares at an off television waiting for a movie. She leaned over and grabbed the remote from the coffee table. Then she moved to take a seat next to Superboy who was looking at her curiously.
"That might be interesting to you but I need a little more stimulation in my life. How about we watch something on TV until Boy Wonder is done talking to his Daddy Bats."
Superboy nodded and Artemis turned on the television, immediately going to one of the many sports channels they had. Wrestling was on and she relaxed further into her spot. Nothing like some professional senseless violence to calm the nerves.
Wally West considered himself a pretty easy going guy. While he had a course he wanted his life to take (Super hero, girlfriend, win a food eating contest, etc, etc.) he had no problem adjusting when things went off kilter. For instance. He expected to be a part of the Justice League one day not so long ago. Denied! But then instead of joining that 'now to be known as' stuffy, uptight group, he joined this ultra cool group of super awesome no-longer-sidekicks. Wally thought he handled that adjustment well.
But sometimes even he, ultra suave cool guy that he is, could get knocked so hard off course it took him a while to readjust.
Case in point. His bestest, best buddy Rob (his bro, his pal, his dare-he-say-it confidant) was in a relationship with Superboy. Where...the heck...did that come from?
That was so far off Wally's course of 'normal everyday life' that he found himself with whiplash. And that was hard to do considering nothing over 400 mph phased him. But that was a doozy. Not the whole gay thing, Wally was super cool with that. To each their own. Wally himself wouldn't be against the idea if the right guy walked along. Granted it had to be the greatest guy in the world but hey, he could dabble.
No, it was the fact that he was convinced Superboy and Megan would be together that made this current revelation so mind boggling.
Now Wally liked Megan. A lot. But even he could see the eyes she had been giving Superboy since freaking DAY 1! Talk about a downer. But since Supey didn't immediately move in for the kill, Wally thought he would have a little fun. More often than not her reactions to his flirting were downright hilarious. She was such an alien to not have slapped him already. But Wally did genuinely like her, so he wasn't going to butt in when she and Superboy finally got together.
Or scratch that. When they 'supposedly' got together.
Wally sighed, kicking a can on the ground as he left his school, classes finally over for the day. He wanted to head over to Mount Justice but he was worried things wouldn't be the same. It was going to be awkward. Superboy and his bro were in a serious relationship, and Megan was gone because she had messed with all of their minds.
That was probably the part that shook Wally up the most over the past few days. Megan, his sweet loveable Megan, had actually stumbled into 'bitch-dom' and forcibly broke up Superboy and Robin so she could be with the Boy of Steel. He shook his head in disbelief. It just didn't make sense...but it also kinda did. Wally was just shocked at how far Megan went just to be with a boy. She violated their minds and memories.
Any kind of crush Wally had had on her was completely tossed out the window after that fiasco. You can't be with someone if you don't trust them. And Wally really didn't trust Megan now. It was a really mean and cruel thing she did, and he wasn't sure if he could ever forgive her. He wanted to, because she was his friend and had been a really nice girl. But Wally didn't think he could. She had tried to destroy something wonderful like love. And that was tip-toeing in the unforgivable realm of villainy.
Wally found himself at his house, his feet magically brining him home like they always did when he was lost in thought. He let himself inside to drop off his backpack and to grab his goggles. He felt like running to Mount Justice rather than taking the teleporter in Central City. He needed to air out his head a bit before he saw the team.
He left a note for his parents in the kitchen before donning his goggles and high tailing it out of Central City. He passed endless cornfields on a barren stretch of road. It was his favorite place to run because it always made him feel like he was running on water or something. The wind on his face and under his clothes soothed his erratic thoughts and Wally let himself be carried away as he ran. As long as he had this, his running, then he could work through any road block life tossed his way.
Kaldur shook his arms of water as he walked out of the ocean. He had just returned from a long, relaxing swim along the coastline. He stretched his back as he waded onto the sand, looking up at the mountainside of his team's secret (or not so secret) head quarters. Kaldur took a deep breath and started to walk back, taking the long way around to the back entrance.
Kaldur was worried about what would happen now. The team dynamic had been shaken very hard yesterday. When Batman had told Kaldur, Artemis and Wally what M'gann had done, he could say he had never been so shocked. Even though Batman explained it was initially an accident on her part, the fact that she pursued her misconceptions was very wrong. And now she was gone.
M'gann was a very important aspect of their team. Her abilities were an asset and her upbeat attitude kept their missions from being too stressful and tense. Now she had thrown that all away. All for a fake realtionship. It made Kaldur extremely sad.
He hoped that the team could pull itself together again. He prayed they could move on and that Robin's relationship with Superboy won't hinder them. And Kaldur really hoped Artemis and Wally would be okay with the situation. If there was any bad feelings between team members then Kaldur knew it would be unwise for them to go on missions. And in the worst case scenario, the team would be disbanded.
Kaldur glanced over his shoulder at the setting sun, taking in the Midas touched water and vibrant sky. He took comfort in the beautiful sight. Kaldur straightened his shoulders and stepped with surer feet into Mount Justice. He had asked Artemis and Wally to come today because he knew Superboy and Robin would be around. Kaldur wanted a team meeting where they could hopefully settle any ill feelings between them.
Kaldur walked down the main hallway into the cave, looking around for his teammates. He picked up the sounds of a struggle and his heart leap to his throat. He must have taken too long on his swim and now everyone was fighting because he wasn't there to be a good leader and mediate the situation. Kaldur broke out into a run and scrambled across the limestone floor, searching out the source of the noise.
Someone screamed as Kaldur burst into the living room. "Everyone, stop," he shouted, his water bearers in hand.
His blinked in shock as four heads turned to stare at him in curiosity and shock. Artemis raised a finger to her lips. "Shh. We're in the middle of a movie. We can spar later," she said gruffly.
His four teammates turned back to look at the large television screen which was showing an elaborate fight scene. Kaldur felt his shoulders slump in relief at the sight. He had been mistaken. He put his water bearers away and came more fully into the room. "My apologies," he said.
In response, Kaldur got a 'shhh, quiet dude,' from Wally and a bowl of popcorn from Superboy. Kaldur smiled and took a seat in the only available spot in the room, a rather comfortable chair. He took the offered popcorn and settled in. Artemis sat across from him in the other comfortable chair in the room while Wally, Robin and Superboy sat on the couch. His team looked very comfortable and relaxed which made Kaldur feel a million times better than he had when he had returned to the base.
Things would be okay. They were watching a movie together, something they had discovered very early on was a good team bonding exercise. He would have them all talk later of course, but for now he would relax and have some popcorn. Nothing was blowing up in their faces except the action movie on the screen.
Superboy knew spying was bad. Unless it was the team spying on the bad guys of course, then that was okay. But it was bad to spy on a teammate. Superboy knew this. But was it really spying if he didn't mean to. He didn't think so. So that made this okay.
Just because he had super hearing, and just because he had recently discovered he had x-ray vision, and just because he happened to be in the room next to Kid Flash's had nothing to do with any kind of spying. It was an accident really. So what if he was curious as to why his boyfriend had gone in there with Kid Flash, and so what if he was a little bit jealous and protective, and so what if he wouldn't feel bad breaking down the wall if Kid Flash made any wrong moves. None of that had anything to do with why Superboy happened to be listening into and watching his boyfriend talk with his best friend.
They had gone there after the movie and the team meeting Kaldur had had with all of them. It was nice for all of them to talk together. They had talked about Miss Martian and his relationship with Robin. Everyone seemed rather okay considering what happened. The relationship aspect of the situation was less of an impact. Kaldur had seemed satisfied that things would be alright between everyone. But now Robin and Kid Flash wanted to talk alone and Superboy wasn't very happy about that.
He watched with narrowed eyes as the two of them sat down on Kid Flash's bed. His boyfriend stretched out on his back while Kid Flash leaned against the wall. Superboy didn't like how cozy they looked.
"So you and Supes, huh," Kid Flash said after a few moments of quiet.
"Yup," Robin replied nonchalantly.
"Dude...why didn't you tell me? Ain't I your bud?"
"Of course you are KF. But this is something seriously new. We've only been on one date and he only told me his feelings like two weeks ago."
"Would you have told me?"
"I was going to...before Miss Martian screwed things up."
Both of them sighed and Superboy sighed with them. This was probably going to be a sore subject for them all for a long time. Maybe Kid Flash especially, he seemed to like Miss Martian a lot.
"Kind of a crappy way to find out that not only is my best bud gay, he's dating a raging volcano."
"Wally?" Superboy couldn't help but smile at how cute Robin looked when he was defensive and angry. He puffed up like the Tetraodontidaes they had seen at the aquarium when he was upset.
"What, dude," Kid Flash replied, surprised from the outburst.
"Okay one, I'm not gay. Bi-curious maybe. But really, Superboy's the only guy I've got eyes for. And two, he is not a "raging volcano,"" when he said that Robin curled the middle and forefingers of both of his hands. Superbboy made a mental note to ask what that meant later. "He's adjusting. Everyone goes through a rough patch when they're adjusting to a new situation. I was a little shit when Bruce first took me in."
Superboy didn't know who 'Bruce' was but it made Kid Flash go quiet. "Sorry, man," Kid Flash said after a few moments. "I know, I know. I'm just a little thrown. Wasn't expecting this is all. My best friend has gone all submissive on me."
"Who's submissive?"
"Dude, you can't seriously tell me you'll be pitching in the bedroom."
Now Superboy was very lost in the conversation. Robin looked embarrassed. He was blushing like he did when Superboy grabbed his bottom. It was kind of pretty.
"What people do in bed doesn't define a relationship. I'm not submissive."
"Sure you're not," Kid Flash said with a chuckle.
Robin puffed up again and Superboy was just about ready to knock down the wall and tell Kid Flash to stop upsetting his boyfriend. "I'm not...I'm...dominissive," Robin said with a huff, crossing his arms over his chest.
Both Superboy and Kid Flash looked at Robin with confused eyes. And then Kid Flash seemed to get it. He laughed loudly and lightly punched Robin on the shoulder. Robin joined in on the laughter a moment later and soon the two friends were rolling around on the Boy Wonder's bed, howling in mirth. Superboy felt a couple chuckles escape his own lips even though he didn't know what was funny. Their laughter was just very contagious.
"You got me there man," Kid Flash said between chuckles. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay, KF," Robin said as he wiped at his eyes. Superboy noticed his glasses were removed. He frowned at that. He though he was the only one on the team that could see Robin without his glasses. It made him feel angry that someone else could see his pretty blue eyes.
"You're just a bit of an idiot sometimes," Robin finished, ducking the pillow Kid Flash hurled at him.
The two of them seemed more comfortable now and Superboy realized he had probably done enough...watching, not spying. He turned away from the wall and went to his own bed. He lay down on top of the covers and stared up at the ceiling. Superboy envied their relationship a bit. They seemed very comfortable around each other and seemed to know a lot about their individual pasts. He wondered if Kid Flash knew who Robin was when he wasn't, well...Robin. Superboy wished he knew. He was Robin's boyfriend right? So shouldn't he be closest to Robin, even closer than Kid Flash was.
The door to his room suddenly opened and Superboy looked over to see Robin standing in the door way. His glasses were back on but they were off the moment he shut and locked the door. "Alone at last," Robin said softly, coming over to sit next to Superboy on his bed.
Robin looked at him quietly for a while before reaching out and poking his forehead. "You'll get wrinkles before you're like two years old if you keep frowning like that. What's wrong," his boyfriend asked softly.
Superboy sighed and looked away. But he glanced back a moment later when he felt a pressure on his chest. Robin was now stretched out on top of him, his head propped on his arms resting on Superboy's pectorals. He was smiling softly, encouragingly. Superboy closed his eyes and sighed again. It wouldn't hurt to express his concern, would it?
"Kid Flash is close to you, isn't he," Superboy said softly, looking at his boyfriend.
Robin cocked his head before he vigorously shook it. "Man, I hope you're not implying what I think you are. He's my best friend but that's it. You don't have to worry about him taking me away or something stupid like that."
Superboy frowned in distaste at the idea. It had crossed his mind but he had discarded it. He trusted the feelings Robin said he had for him. "No, I don't mean that. I just mean...he knows a lot about you. Things that I don't."
"Well yeah. I've known him for almost three years now. You I've known less than three months and we've only been going out for like, a week. It's obvious he would know more. But before you know it, you'll know everything about me too."
"Does he...know your secret identity," Superboy asked cautiously. He didn't really want to know the answer, because he was almost sure it was 'yes.' And then that made Superboy worry about why he didn't know.
"Yes," Robin said slowly. His boyfriend sat up on his lap, looking down at him with smiling eyes. "And before you start worrying, I'll tell you too. The only reason KF knows is that we met when we were spontaneous squirts and before Batman told me I shouldn't reveal who I am. But both he and I trust KF so there wasn't any real damage done."
"Then who are you," Superboy asked excitedly, sitting up a bit on his arms. He wanted to know, because that would bring them closer.
But Robin shook his head with a smile. Then he leaned down to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth. "Not yet. I will tell you. But I'm only going to tell you my secret I.D. when you have one yourself. It's only fair," his boyfriend said quietly.
Superboy flopped back onto his pillow as he thought about what Robin had said. Now that he was thinking about it, Superboy realized he wouldn't feel completely happy knowing who Robin was because he, himself, wasn't anyone beyond Superboy. He actually didn't feel desperate to know, he just didn't want Kid Flash to be closer to his boyfriend than he was. Superboy smiled up at Robin.
"So when I tell you mine...you'll tell me yours," he said, a bit of a question in his tone.
Robin chuckled and nodded. "Totally."
"I have something else I'm wondering about," Superboy asked after a moment, reaching his hands out to grip Robin's very delicious derriere. "What does 'dominissive' mean?"
Robin laughed outright, his head thrown back and eyes closed in mirth. Then his boyfriend leaned down a placed a very wet and deep kiss on his lips. "How about I show you," Robin said softly as he curled his body up against Superboy's.
Superboy happily nodded, pulling his boyfriend closer as their kisses got deeper. Superboy very much liked demonstrations like these.
AN: Alrighty folks. What did you think. I played around with a lot of different character POVs. I like doing that every once in a while. And it was a fun way to explore everyone's reactions to the situation.
Quick note - "Tetraodontidae" is the family name for puffer fish. I envision Superboy being a bit of a walking encyclopedia. At least when it comes to certain things. The pages about social behavior were apparently left blank.
Anywho. For anyone who doesn't know, Cartoon Network screwed up and for like two days a few weeks ago, the next episode was online. I didn't catch it then but some folks did webrip it or whatever it is they do. I imagine it's on youtube, veoh and other sites like that. I watched it on youtube. It's titled "Targets" and it's mostly about Red Arrow (Speedy). I have a little crush on him, he's so pouty. And then the other half of the episode has Superboy and Megan going to high school together. I so need to do something with that. Megan also kinda annoyed me in the episode too. But that's neither here nor there. Go check it out if you can, since Cartoon Network is still being a boob and now no new episodes for July either. I'm going through withdrawal here. UGH!
On another note. I would like your guys' opinions on a few things if y'all don't mind. It all pertains to the story. First, would you be comfortable seeing something more graphic between Robin and Superboy? I'm all gunho to write it but I want to make sure people will read it. Second, what is everyone's opinions on Superman/Batman slash? Good, bad, okay, nada? It would be super minor and I could live without it but I have some strange ideas boiling in my head. I feel like playing around with Kryptonian biology and evolution, at least giving my own spin to why they have the powers they do. The Superman/Batman thing isn't necessary, but it could make things interesting. Let me know.
Well I think that's all I have. I do so love torturing Bruce don't I? He's so cute when he tries to be all strong and macho and big-bad-daddy-bats. Heehee.
TTFN
EDIT: Totally realized I didn't have my usual shout out to all the wonderful folks leaving reviews. So I totally need to do that. Here we go. THANK YOU: angelrider13, Onshuu and Shigatsu, Chopasticka, Animelover210, Deylyn, .S, and my anonymous reviewers (daNa, Fifty Seven Seconds, Anonyamus, Anonyomous). Thank you all so so much for your kind words and love. I hope you all enjoy this chapter just as much.
EDIT 2: SUPER IMPORTANT. I mention up there in my questions about making the relationship more graphic between Robin and Superboy. This in no way means intercourse. Both of them (not just Robin) are way too young for that. Not just physically but mentally. What I am implying is things like hand jobs, frottage, and blow jobs. Believe me, I can make things like this very graphic. I just want to make sure people are ready for this. Some reviewers have expressed concern over this and I just wanted to clarify. Sex, to me, doesn't always mean intercourse and this is what I mean for Robin and Superboy. Sorry for any confusion or worries.